Motives of Freedom

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important that yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4 NASB

It might be helpful as we enter this verse, to read the last post. This thought is a continuation of what the Spirit is working in us as we follow the Lord in heart.

In our living in the riches of our Lord's grace that He has so lavished upon us (Ephesians 1:7-8), there are some internal workings that the Spirit longs to accomplish in us. This verse contains a major concept in those transformations. The entire modern idea of "self-esteem" must be abandoned! This verse is built on another DNA of being.

"Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God." 1 Peter 1:22-23 NASB

Our life in Jesus is out of the "seed" of God Himself. As such, we are His sons and daughters - those born from His will through His Word. Therefore, for us, life in Him is vastly different that life lived as a human being. We are able, through Him, to live His life here. We need not concern ourselves with our own matters much, for we have been told He is taking care of us. (Matthew 6) So we need not be creatures of self-centeredness, self-seeking, self-esteem or arrogance. In the the power of the Spirit through faith, we are able to regard others as more important that ourselves and live in humility with all - in heart and action.

Remember John 13:3 "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and ...." (He then washed his disciples feet). He knew who He was in God. Notice the three things that were His empowering motives:

1. He knew the Father had given all things into His hands.
2. He had come from God.
3. He was going to God.

May I suggest that we know those same things in Christ. So our own elevation is in His hands - not ours to be concerned about nor to accomplish. We are not worms nor doormats - but are servants in His Spirit. The difference is huge. A doormat simply gets walked on and holds dirt (and human ones always complain). The servant, takes a basin of water and begins to wash, refresh and clean, always allowing the dirt to go into the water of the washing only to be drained away. We have been given an awesome empowerment to live His life in our human frame!